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Antisocial network

TDs want to stamp out online abuse – but is it social media that has to change, or the politicians?

Sarah McInerney and Stephen O’Brien

January 6 2013, 12:01am, The Sunday Times

Just before Christmas, Jerry Buttimer logged onto his Facebook page with his usual feeling of dread. The Cork South Central TD’s heart sank as he flicked through the latest hate-laden comments left by members of the public.

Buttimer had announced on Facebook that he was making a Christmas cake. Someone had replied: “I hope you choke on it.” The Fine Gael deputy had posted about traffic problems, prompting another person to say: “You should get smashed by a lorry, Jerry.”

Buttimer knew he shouldn’t let such comments affect him, but they did. The tone of the posts had been particularly threatening since the budget was revealed on December 5. The TD had already removed some nasty messages, such as the ones saying “Your family better…

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